General manager Lou Lamoriello was back behind the New Jersey Devils bench last night, his third game as interim coach since Larry Robinson walked away due to health reasons last week.

It's not a job he wants to occupy for too long.

"We're looking to do something as soon as possible," Lamoriello said of the hunt for a new bench boss.

"It's a different seat for observation, that's for sure. But the main thing is winning."

Lamoriello would not comment on recent comments made by former Buffalo Sabres coach Ted Nolan, who told the Buffalo News that he might be interested in the post.

Nolan, now coaching Moncton of the QMJHL, won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year after the 1996-97 season with the Sabres.

But many Devils observers feel Nolan may have done more damage than good by going public with his feelings, since Lamoriello is the type of guy who would rather such issues be discussed behind closed doors.

Rumoured names include Team Canada junior coach Brent Sutter and his brother, Brian Sutter, who is back on the farm in Alberta.

MARIUSZ CHRISTMAS

The holiday season was a little more special for Maple Leafs forward Mariusz Czerkawski, who spent more than his share of time this season riding the pines.

Since being inserted back into the lineup, Czerkawski scored three goals in four games entering the contest against the Devils last night at the Air Canada Centre.

"Frankly, that's the type of thing we need him to do -- get chances," Leafs coach Pat Quinn said.

"He was injured for a while. Then, when he came back, he wasn't doing those things that he needs to do to be successful.

"Sometimes you learn things when you have a chance to sit and watch."

Czerkawski is just grateful for the opportunity.

"I had to be patient," he said. "I had to wait for my chance to get in there again.